Director of Public Health Dr Mark Veitch said the immunisers would become important additional providers for eligible Tasmanians to get their free meningococcal ACWY vaccine.

“Once trained, pharmacists will be able to provide vaccination to people aged 10 to 21 years. Children aged under 10 will need to be taken to a general practitioner to get a vaccine, or attend a Council or public clinic,” Dr Veitch said.

With pharmacists providing an additional vaccination option alongside general practitioners, it is hoped this will help in ensuring all Tasmanians aged between six weeks and 21 years (born after August 1, 1997) get a meningococcal ACWY vaccination.

There have been six confirmed cases in Tasmania this year, all in the state’s south, Including the death of a Hobart teenager from a suspected meningococcal infection.

Four of those cases were meningococcal W, with three of these occurring in a relatively small geographic area.

“The public health response is currently targeting the suburbs of New Town, Moonah, Glenorchy and nearby, but all Tasmanians in the target age group, regardless of where they live, will be offered vaccine over the next three months,” Dr Veitch said.

The State Government has written to all Tasmanians about its expanded vaccination program.

Anyone who is concerned they may be showing symptoms of meningococcal disease were told to seek emergency medical care.